During a recent appearance on the "Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams," Miami Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead predicted that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa would eventually receive a lucrative contract extension from the club.
"Of course," Armstead said about the situation, as shared by Nick Shook of the NFL's website. "It's gonna happen. We need Tua to go anywhere we're trying to go. All (of) our dreams, goals and aspirations are reliant on No. 1. The Dolphins know that, the organization knows that, the city, the league."
Tagovailoa remains in the final year of his rookie contract after he somewhat silenced talk about his lengthy injury history by starting every game for Miami this past campaign. According to Pro Football Reference, the 26-year-old finished the 2023 regular season ranked 10th in the league among qualified players with a 60.8 adjusted QBR, fifth with a 101.1 passer rating, first with 4,624 passing yards and fourth with a 50.8% passing success rate. He recorded 29 touchdown passes with 14 interceptions over 17 games.
"The way they iron out the numbers, all that, negotiations get tough in contracts," Armstead continued. "Teams start to bring up bad plays, bad games, injuries. You start to get offended, like, 'Oh man, that's how you really feel?' [But] it's leverage. Once you peel back those layers and you keep it about the business, it'll get done."
While league executives, coaches and scouts surveyed this offseason failed to rank Tagovailoa among the NFL's top 10 quarterbacks, individuals within the Dolphins have publicly suggested they believe the 2020 first-round draft pick can lead the franchise to beyond postseason berths. Teammates such as Armstead and wide receiver Tyreek Hill have made it known this summer they want the Dolphins to show Tagovailoa the money. Still, the signal-caller may want to see if Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers resets the market before July ends.
It's worth noting the Dolphins can retain Tagovailoa's rights for 2025 via the franchise tag if the Miami front office doesn't want to meet his asking price and he doesn't offer the club any type of discount. Tagovailoa and other veteran Miami players will report to training camp this Tuesday.
